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General information only — not legal advice. Published by Edward & Amaury Solicitors, solicitors regulated by the SRA (no. 800525). How that affects what you read.

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Sexual Assault Compensation Claims

England & WalesLast reviewed 18 September 2026

Survivors of sexual assault can apply to the state Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority, and may also be able to bring a civil claim against the offender or against an organisation that failed to protect them. The routes have different time limits and requirements, and both can be pursued.

Two Routes to Compensation

Direct Answer: A survivor can apply to the CICA, where awards are set by a tariff of injuries, and separately consider a civil claim for damages, which may recover more where there is a defendant able to pay, such as an institution that was responsible for care or safety.

The CICA does not need the offender to be convicted. A civil claim is against the person or organisation legally responsible, and often depends on showing a failure of duty such as negligent supervision or vicarious liability. Any CICA award may be taken into account in a later civil claim to avoid double recovery.

Time Limits and Historic Abuse

For the CICA the general limit is two years from the incident, with special rules for those who were under 18 (paragraphs 87 and 88 of the Scheme). For a civil claim, the ordinary three-year period does not begin for a child until they turn 18, and for adults it can run from their date of knowledge. Where the time limit has passed, the court has a discretion under section 33 of the Limitation Act 1980 to allow a personal injury claim to proceed, which is regularly used in historic abuse cases. The decision depends on the reasons for delay and whether a fair trial is still possible.

Taking the Next Step

You do not have to decide about a claim before getting support. Specialist services can help with medical, counselling and practical needs. A solicitor experienced in abuse claims can explain both routes, the evidence needed and what would be involved, and you can decide at your own pace.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get compensation for sexual assault?

Yes, through the CICA and possibly a civil claim against the offender or an organisation that failed in its duty to protect you. The CICA does not require a conviction.

What if it happened years ago?

You may still be able to claim. The CICA has time limits and strict exceptions, while a court can allow a civil claim out of time under section 33 of the Limitation Act 1980. Take advice about your specific position.

Do I have to go to court for the CICA?

No. It is an administrative scheme decided on the papers, though you can ask for a review and appeal to an independent tribunal if you disagree with a decision.

Can I claim from an institution that failed to protect me?

Potentially, if it owed you a duty of care or was vicariously liable for the abuser. These claims are complex, and a specialist solicitor can advise on the prospects.

What if I was a child at the time?

The civil time limit does not start until you are 18, and the CICA has special rules for those who were under 18. Separate advice on your position is important.

Can I bring a civil claim on a no win no fee basis?

Sometimes. A civil claim against the offender is often not worth pursuing because they cannot pay, but where there is an insured or solvent defendant, such as an employer, organisation or venue that was itself at fault, a solicitor may act under a Conditional Fee Agreement. Ask about the prospects of recovering compensation before you decide.

You May Also Be Interested In

Criminal Injuries

Compensation for victims of violent crime

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How to Claim Criminal Injuries Compensation

The state CICA scheme, deadlines and eligibility

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Abuse Claims

Claims for abuse, including historic abuse

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Domestic Violence Compensation Claims

Compensation after domestic abuse

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PTSD & Psychological Injury Claims

Psychiatric injury compensation

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More guides on this topic

Assault Compensation Claims

If you were assaulted you can apply to the CICA, whether or not the attacker is found, and may also have a civil claim against the attacker or, in…

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Where this applies: This page covers England and Wales. The rules in Scotland and Northern Ireland are different.

Sources for this page

Every rule stated above is based on the primary sources below. Each link goes to the legislation, court rule or regulator itself so you can check it. Last verified 18 September 2026.

  1. Courts and Legal Services Act 1990, s.58 (conditional fee agreements)

    The provision that makes CFAs lawful and enforceable. CFAs derive from this section, not from LASPO.

  2. Conditional Fee Agreements Order 2013, arts. 4–5 · in force from 1 April 2013

    Art. 4 caps the success fee at 100% of base costs. Art. 5 caps what may be taken from damages in personal injury at 25% of PSLA plus past pecuniary loss, net of CRU, at first instance.

  3. Civil Procedure Rules, Part 44 (incl. rr.44.13–44.17, QOCS)

    Qualified one-way costs shifting and its exceptions. Rule 44.14 was amended with effect from 6 April 2023.

  4. Limitation Act 1980, s.11 (personal injury actions)

    Three years from the date of the accident or the date of knowledge. Property damage such as a damaged vehicle is a separate claim with a longer six-year period under s.2.

  5. Limitation Act 1980, s.14 (date of knowledge)

    The three-year period can run from the 'date of knowledge': when you first knew the injury was significant and attributable to the act or omission alleged to be negligent. Central in delayed-diagnosis cases.

  6. Limitation Act 1980, s.28 (extension for disability)

    Time does not run while a person is a child or lacks capacity to conduct proceedings. For a child's personal injury claim the three years generally starts on their 18th birthday.

  7. Limitation Act 1980, s.33 (discretionary exclusion of time limit)

    A court can allow a personal injury claim to proceed out of time where it is equitable to do so. It is a discretion, not a right, and should not be relied on.

  8. Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012

    State scheme for victims of violent crime in Great Britain. Applications must be made as soon as reasonably practicable and within two years of the incident (para 87), with special rules for those under 18 (para 88); awards are tariff-based to a maximum of £500,000, and unspent convictions and delay can reduce or bar an award.

  9. Criminal injuries compensation: a guide (GOV.UK)

    Official guidance on who can apply, what counts as a violent crime of a type covered, how to apply and what to expect. Applying is free, and you do not need a solicitor.

Who wrote and checked this page

Written and published by
Edward & Amaury Solicitors (Edward & Amaury Ltd, company no. 12195443), regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority under no. 800525.
Legal review
Checked for England & Wales by Edward & Amaury Solicitors — Solicitors regulated by the SRA (no. 800525) (verify on the regulator’s register).Review is recorded against the firm. The individual reviewer is not named on this page.
Review dates
Last reviewed 18 September 2026. Next review due 18 March 2027.

Fee rules change. California’s medical malpractice fee limits changed on 1 January 2023, and the QOCS rules in England and Wales changed on 6 April 2023. If you spot something out of date, tell us — we publish corrections.

Think you have a claim? Find out for free.

Reading the rules is the first step. Most claims have strict deadlines, and evidence is easier to gather the sooner you act. Tell Edward & Amaury Solicitors what happened and get a free, no-obligation review of your situation.

  • Free, no-obligation case review: you decide what happens next
  • Many claims are handled on a no win, no fee basis if the firm accepts your case
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Where this applies: This page covers England and Wales. The rules in Scotland and Northern Ireland are different.

Sources for this page

Every rule stated above is based on the primary sources below. Each link goes to the legislation, court rule or regulator itself so you can check it. Last verified 2 August 2026.

  1. Courts and Legal Services Act 1990, s.58 (conditional fee agreements)

    The provision that makes CFAs lawful and enforceable. CFAs derive from this section, not from LASPO.

  2. Conditional Fee Agreements Order 2013, arts. 4–5 · in force from 1 April 2013

    Art. 4 caps the success fee at 100% of base costs. Art. 5 caps what may be taken from damages in personal injury at 25% of PSLA plus past pecuniary loss, net of CRU, at first instance.

  3. Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012, ss.44–46 · in force from 1 April 2013

    Ended recoverability of success fees and ATE premiums from the losing party. Did not create or regulate CFAs.

  4. Civil Procedure Rules, Part 44 (incl. rr.44.13–44.17, QOCS)

    Qualified one-way costs shifting and its exceptions. Rule 44.14 was amended with effect from 6 April 2023.

Who wrote and checked this page

Written and published by
Edward & Amaury Solicitors (Edward & Amaury Ltd, company no. 12195443), regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority under no. 800525.
Legal review
This page has not yet been through independent legal review. It is written from the primary sources listed below, which you can check directly.
Review dates
Last reviewed 2 August 2026. Next review due 2 February 2027.

Fee rules change. California’s medical malpractice fee limits changed on 1 January 2023, and the QOCS rules in England and Wales changed on 6 April 2023. If you spot something out of date, tell us — we publish corrections.